Advancing Public Rights

Hawaii’s public records and open meetings laws declare:

Opening up the government processes to public scrutiny and participation is the only viable and reasonable method of protecting the public’s interest. Therefore the legislature declares that it is the policy of this State that the formation and conduct of public policy—the discussions, deliberations, decisions, and action of government agencies—shall be conducted as openly as possible.

Nevertheless, government agencies may delay production of records for months, charge high fees to gather information, submit vague meeting notices, or hold questionable closed session meetings. The expense and complexity of enforcing public access very often is a deal breaker, and agencies are never held accountable.

What We Do

Legal Advice & Representation

Offering free legal advice, and representation on a select basis, to members of the media and the public who need help with issues involving government transparency.

Solutions

Forging solutions that promote transparency and responsiveness in government to better serve the people of Hawaii.

Public Rights

Advancing the public’s rights by investigating questionable government activity, advocating for corrective action, and, if needed, enforcing corrective measures in the courts.

Have questions about public records, open meetings, or other government transparency issues?
Contact the Law Center at 808-531-4000 or info@civilbeatlawcenter.org.

The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest is an independent organization created with funding from Pierre Omidyar, who is also publisher and CEO of Honolulu Civil Beat.